Thiago DiLaurentiis always has his eyes for Adriana Litmann, the only daughter and heiress of the Litmann's- Thiago DiLaurentiis' number one foe in business. Thiago firmly believes that Adriana is his and he has to have her. But, being in love with the daughter of his enemy isn't easy as he needs to be contented by admiring her from afar. Knowing the Litmann's, they wouldn't let Thiago lay a hand even on Adriana's hair. And so, the moment Thiago knew about Adriana moving to another country to study in a prestigious business school, he followed her. Thiago did everything to be closed to Adriana even if it means pretending to be her professor.
Adriana's POV
I sighed for the nth time as I stared at my clothes in front of me right now. It's currently 5 pm, and the party starts at 6 pm. It's a welcome party for the new school year, and although I'm not a freshman and I'm already in my last year in college, I was invited.
I mean, every student of the university was asked, but I got personally invited by the host of the party-- Nathaniel, Nate for short. I met Nate yesterday when I was strolling at the university. And since I am new here, I couldn't decline his offer because it's embarrassing, and Nate is pretty much a nice guy. At least, that's my first impression of him.
"It's an opportunity to make friends, Adri," I whispered to myself.
I sighed once again because it was true.
If I go to the party right now, I can possibly make friends or at least interact with people. I have never really got friends all my life because my life only revolves around our house and school. And that's because of two reasons: my parents are hella strict, and I was so busy trying to be at the top of everything-- whether in terms of studies and life, just so my parents will give me attention and not be disappointed in me.
Yeah, my life sounds dull, I know. Despite getting every material thing that I want, I could describe my life as boring and not really that delightful. Not being ungrateful or anything because living a well-off life is really a blessing, but it's the truth. There's a void in me that luxurious things can't fulfill.
But now that I started living alone, I could do whatever I wanted- well, not really everything because my actions are somehow still monitored. After all, even though I'm living on my own now, my father assigned bodyguards for me, so I couldn't really do things like the extreme ones or something that would lead me into trouble. Ugh, but what's fun in that, right?
Despite being at the right age and literally in the last year of college, I'm still getting supervised, especially my grades. But the good thing about that is I'm not in our house anymore so I could do some things that I never did before. I just really have to be careful with my bodyguards because they will report everything to my father, and there's no way I will let that happen because the freedom that I have right now-- although minimal-- it's everything.
My heart clenched at the thought of my first few years in college. When I graduated from my senior year and entered college, I thought I was finally going to have my freedom. I graduated at the top of my class, and my achievements my entire high school life is overflowing. And, I thought it was enough reason for my parents to let me move out and study in the university that I wanted-- but I was wrong.
They didn't let me move out until now. Until I was in my last year in college. I just started living on my own a few weeks ago. I could have so much fun in my life if only they let me live my life or at least my college life because I didn't really get to enjoy my high school, but my parents are somehow cruel for just wanting me to stay with them.
Don't get me wrong, I love my parents, and I want to be with them, but it's just hard because they made me feel like I was caged my entire life. And the ironic thing is that even though they always want me at home, they don't really give me attention unless I have an achievement to present to them.
It's so ironic and painful.
My phone beeped, snapping me out of my reverie.
I grabbed my phone beside me and swiped right to read the message.
It's Nate. He asked for my number yesterday.
*From: Nate
I hope you're ready to party because I'm really expecting you x*
I looked at this message for a couple of seconds before replying. Now that Nate messaged me, I am left with no choice but to go to his party.
*To: Nate
Will be there!*
I sighed as I stood up from my bed and started getting dressed.
I changed into a high-waisted ripped jeans partnered with a red halter top. I looked at myself in the mirror. My top seems so daring, and I feel so exposed because I can feel the cold air touches my bareback.
But, I spent half of the afternoon browsing through Pinterest what to wear in a college party- because obviously, I haven't been into one. And even back in my previous school at home, I can see girls wearing tops like this.
I groaned.
It's not comfortable, mainly because it's night and cold out. I know I have to cover up.
I walked towards my closet, grabbed my vast denim jacket, and put it on me.
Now, it feels comfortable and a good thing; it looked so chic.
I already did my makeup and everything, and all I have to do now is drag my a$s to the party
.
I grabbed my small sling bag and wore it. I was about to go out of my room when my phone beeped again.
It's a reply from Nate.
*From: Nate
;)*
I slightly creased my forehead in confusion because of his reply.
It's a winky face.
What does that supposed to mean? It's true that I haven't really had friends, and obviously, I haven't been into a relationship or anything, but I know winking has a meaning.
I shook my head.
Nah, it definitely doesn't mean anything, and I'm just overthinking things like always. But Nate is kinda cute, though, and just like what I've said, he was so nice to me yesterday, and he even invited me personally to his party.
Gosh, what am I even thinking?
I shrugged my shoulders, putting the message at the back of my mind, and went out of my room and directly out of my condo.
I walked a few steps and rang the doorbell of the room beside mine.
It only took about three seconds before it opened.
"Miss Litmann," one of my bodyguards, John, greeted.
"Hello, I have somewhere to go; it's a party," I told him.
John automatically alerted his colleagues because of what I said.
I groaned inwardly.
I have at least five bodyguards here right now, and they're living next to my condo unit. And it's so embarrassing if I bring bodyguards with me to a college party!
"You don't have to inform my parents about where am I going because I already told them," I lied.
As long as I keep my grade high and I won't die, they don't really care about it. So I think it's not necessary for my parents to know.
"And, can I just go by myself this time?" I asked.
John quickly shook his head. "You can't go anywhere without us, miss. That's an order from your father."
I mentally groaned.
Yes, I shouldn't forget about that. And even though no matter what I'm going to tell my bodyguards and even if I bribe them, they won't let me do what I want. Their loyalty is for my father, and I get it because they're just doing their job.
"Can I at least have one bodyguard instead? It's only a house party, and it's not like I'm going anywhere aside from that," I asked, almost pleading.
It's really embarrassing to be seen with bodyguards, and I don't want my schoolmates or classmates to see me differently because of it.
John looked hesitant, so I decided to bring my A-game.
"I swear, I'm not going to go anywhere and will just stay inside the house of my friend the entire party. And it's a college party; it would be weird if five of you guys will tail me there," I convinced.
And finally, John nodded.
"Great!" My face lit up.
At least I can tolerate one bodyguard with me.
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"I want a divorce!" Ryan demanded, despite the fact that he had cheated on her with his ex. ~ Serena is no longer the quiet, romantic lady Ryan Winters married and divorced five years ago. Now the CEO of Rocky's Designs, she is bright, unwavering, and unapologetic about her independence-a far cry from the woman Ryan remembers. When fate brings them back into one another's lives, Ryan is forced to confront the truth about their past, their newfound hot chemistry, and a surprising revelation; Serena has a daughter who may be his. But Ryan's girlfriend, Kate, isn't prepared to lose him again. She will do whatever it takes to keep Ryan in her grasp-even if it means destroying Serena's life and the corporate empire she has built. What happens when Serena's now peaceful life is being disrupted? Will Serena lose once again or will she seize this billionaire's heart?
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
Elodie took a deep breath and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. A moment of silence passed, broken only by the pounding of her heart. Finally, the door snicked open, revealing a surprised Dashiell. 'Can't you see the Do Not Disturb sign? We don't want-' His initial frown quickly morphed into confusion at the sight of his wife. 'What are you doing here?' he demanded. 'Your girlfriend invited me,' Elodie replied, her voice laced with icy calm. She tried to peer past him, but his broad frame blocked the view. A saccharine voice chimed in from within the room. 'Elodie? Oh dear, we didn't mean for you to find out this way. It's just that-' Elodie cut her short. 'Oh please, Selene. Spare me the fake apologies. You wouldn't have sent me all those texts if you didn't want me to know.' Dashiell shifted uncomfortably, his face a mask of annoyance. 'What texts?' Elodie stepped past him, taking in the luxurious suite with a sardonic smile. The king-sized bed, the scattered rose petals, the lingering scent of sex – it all painted a vivid picture of their betrayal. She looked up at Dashiell, her gaze unwavering. 'I want a divorce.' ****** Dashiell lived a life of luxury, surrounded by the best things money could buy. But when a car accident left him vulnerable, he met Elodie, a seemingly ordinary woman who nursed him back to health. Mistaking her for just another employee, Dashiell entered into a loveless marriage with her solely for convenience. However, fate had a different script in store. Elodie, the 'ordinary nurse,' held a secret more precious than any diamond: she was the sole heiress to Northstar, a vast and powerful enterprise. Unaware of her true identity, Dashiell cast her aside when his ex-girlfriend returned, leaving Elodie humiliated. But Elodie was not one to be easily broken. She shed the facade of the meek nurse, reclaiming her rightful inheritance and stepping into the role of Northstar's CEO. Now, the woman Dashiell discarded was the one holding the reins of power. As Elodie thrives in her new role, Dashiell is consumed by regret. He finally sees Elodie for the extraordinary woman she truly is, realising the depth of his mistake. But will his remorse be enough to win back the heart he so carelessly discarded?